(d) Hired or contracted school buses used to transport children shall be in compliance with ch. Trans 300. (6) Seat belts and child safety restraints. (a) No person may transport a child under 8 years of age in a motor vehicle, unless the child is restrained in a child safety restraint system that is appropriate to the child’s age and size and in accordance with s. 347.48 Stats., and ch. Trans 310. (b) 1. Each child who is not required to be in an individual child car safety seat or booster seat when being transported under par. (a) shall be properly restrained by a seat belt in accordance with s. 347.48, Stats., and ch. Trans 315. 2. Each adult in the vehicle shall be properly restrained by a seat belt in accordance with s. 347.48, Stats., and ch. Trans 315. 3. Seat belts may not be shared.
(c) Children transported in school buses or vehicles built to school bus standards shall be properly seated according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
(d) Children under 13 years of age who are in the care of the center may not ride in the front seat of a vehicle.
(7) Vehicle capacity and supervision. (a) The center shall be responsible for a child from the time the child is placed in a vehicle until the children reaches his or her destination and is released to a person responsible for the child. A parent of a school age child may authorize a child to enter a building unescorted.
(b) Children may not be left unattended in a vehicle.
(c) When children are transported in a vehicle, there shall be at least one adult supervisor in addition to the driver whenever there are more than 3 children who are either under 2 years of age or who have a disability that limits their ability to respond to an emergency.
(d) The licensee shall develop and implement a procedure to ensure that all children exit the vehicle after being transported to a destination.
(e) No child may be in a vehicle for transport to or from a center, a field trip, or other center activity for more than 60 minutes for a one-way trip.
(8) Child care vehicle safety alarm. (a) A vehicle shall be equipped with a child safety alarm that prompts the driver to inspect the vehicle for children before exiting if all of the following conditions apply:
1. The vehicle is owned or leased by a licensee or a contractor of a licensee.
2. The vehicle has a seating capacity of 6 or more passengers plus the driver. The seating capacity of the vehicle shall be determined by the manufacturer.
3. The vehicle is used to transport children in care.
(b) No person may shut off a child safety alarm unless the driver first inspects the vehicle to ensure that no child is left unattended in the vehicle.
(c) The child safety alarm shall be in good working order each time the vehicle is used for transporting children to or from a center.
Note: Information on the required vehicle safety alarm is available in the “child care licensing/information for providers” section of the department website at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov. SECTION 303. DCF 251.09 (1) (am) (intro.)is amended to read:
DCF 251.09 (1) (am) (intro.) Prior to admission, an interview shall be conducted with the licensee shall obtain written information from a child’s parent or guardian to obtain written information which will aid child care workers in individualizing to individualize the program of care for the child. Child care workers shall use the information obtained from parents to provide care to the child. Information shall include all of the following:
SECTION 304. DCF 251.09 (1) (d) (intro.) is renumbered DCF 251.09 (1) (d) and amended to read:
DCF 251.09 (1) (d) Each infant and toddler shall be cared for by a regularly assigned child care worker in a specific self−contained room or area. Infants and toddlers may not be transferred to the care of another child care worker or another group or room in order to adjust group sizes or staff−to−child ratios, except under one of the following circumstances:
SECTION 305. DCF 251.09 (1) (d) 1. and 2. are repealed.
SECTION 306. DCF 251.09 (1) (e), (f), (k), and (L) are amended to read:
DCF 251.09 (1) (e) The regularly assigned child care teacher and assistant child care teacher for each group of infants and toddlers shall have a minimum of 10 hours of training in infant and toddler care approved by the department within 6 months after assuming the position. If the training is not part of the required preservice entry−level training under s. DCF 251.05 (1) (3) (f) or (g) it shall be obtained through continuing education. (f) Infants and toddlers are restricted to first floors and ground floors having direct grade−level exits unless the building is in compliance with all applicable building codes that permit children to be cared for on other levels. The building inspection report on file with the licensing office shall indicate that where care may be provided for children under 2 years 30 months of age may be cared for on other levels of the center.
(k) Sheets or blankets used to cover the a child one year of age or older shall be tucked tightly under the mattress and shall be kept away from the child’s mouth and nose, and if sleeping in a crib or paypen shall be tucked tightly under the mattress.
(L) Children A child under one year of age may not sleep in a crib or playpen that contains soft or loose materials, such as sheepskins, pillows, fluffy blankets, flat sheets, bumper pads, bibs, pacifiers with attached soft objects, or stuffed animals. No blankets and other items may be hung on the sides of the crib or playpen.
SECTION 307. DCF 251.09 (2) (intro.) is created to read:
DCF 251.09 (2) (intro.) In addition to the requirements under s. DCF 251.07, all of the following apply to the care of infants and toddlers: SECTION 308. DCF 251.09 (2) (i) is repealed.
SECTION 309. DCF 251.09 (2) (j) and (k) and (3) (a) 2. and 3. are amended to read:
DCF 251.09 (2) (j) Equipment When infants and toddlers are taken outdoors for a walk, equipment, such as strollers or wagons, shall be provided to take infants and toddlers out of doors for a walk.
(k) An adult−size rocking chair or other adult-size chair shall be provided for each child care worker for the purpose of holding and rocking children.
(3) (a) 2. Ensure that food, breast milk, and formula brought from home are labeled with the child’s name and dated the date and are refrigerated, if required.
3. Ensure that formula prepared by the center is of the commercial, iron−enriched type and mixed according to the manufacturer’s directions food, breast milk, and formula offered to infants and toddlers is consistent with the requirements of the U.S. department of agriculture child and adult care food program.
SECTION 310. DCF 251.09 (3) (a) 3. (Note) is created to read:
SECTION 311. DCF 251.09 (3) (a) 4. and 6. are repealed.
SECTION 312. DCF 251.09 (3) (a) 8., 9., 13., and 15. and (b) are amended to read:
DCF 251.09 (3) (a) 8. Offer drinking water to infants and toddlers, as appropriate, several times daily.
9. Hold a child who is unable to hold a bottle whenever a bottle is given. Bottles may not be propped.
13. Offer a variety of nourishing foods to each child, such as cereal, vegetables, fruit, egg yolks and meat, according to the child’s developmental level and the parent’s feeding schedule instructions.
15. Refrain from heating breast milk or formula in a microwave oven.
(b) Procedures for heating infant formula, milk, and food in a microwave oven shall be posted near the microwave oven. Child, and child care workers shall follow the posted procedures for heating food, milk and formula.
SECTION 313. DCF 251.09 (3) (c) is created to read:
DCF 251.09 (3) (c) Infant bottles and nipples may not be reused without first being cleaned and sanitized.
SECTION 314. DCF 251.09 (4) (a) 2. and 3. are amended to read:
DCF 251.09 (4) (a) 2. Change wet or soiled diapers and clothing promptly.
3. Change each child on an easily cleanable surface which that is cleaned with soap and water and a disinfectant solution after each use with a chlorine bleach solution of one tablespoon bleach to one quart of water, made fresh daily, or a quaternary ammonia product prepared in accordance with label directions. The disinfectant solution shall be registered with the U.S. environmental protection agency as a disinfectant and have instructions for use as a disinfectant on the label. The solution shall be prepared and applied as indicated on the label.
SECTION 315. DCF 251.09 (4) (a) 3. (Note) and 9. are repealed.
SECTION 316. DCF 251.09 (4) (d) is amended to read:
DCF 251.09 (4) (d) There shall be a supply of dry and clean clothing and diapers sufficient to meet the needs of all the children using diapers at the center.
SECTION 317. DCF 251.095 (3) (f) and (g) are created to read:
DCF 251.095 (3) (f) Section DCF 251.06 (2) (o) on the requirement that windows and doors used for ventilation be screened. (g) Section DCF 251.06 (11) (b) 5. on the requirement for an energy absorbing surface on playgrounds to a depth of at least 9 inches. SECTION 318. DCF 251.095 (4) (b) 1., 2., and 3. are amended to read:
DCF 251.095 (4) (b) 1. The administrator of a center serving only school−age children shall meet the requirements in s. DCF 251.05 (1) (3) (d) 2. or shall have department−approved experience, credits, or courses in elementary education, physical education, child guidance, social work, coaching, juvenile justice, or recreation, or other department−approved training. 2. A center director or child care teacher of a center serving only school−age children shall meet the requirements of s. DCF 251.05 (1) (3) (e) or (f), as appropriate, or shall substitute for those requirements department−approved experience, credits or approved courses in elementary education, physical education, child guidance, recreation, coaching, social work, juvenile justice, or other department-approved training. The Wisconsin Afterschool and Youth Credential may be used to meet the requirements for a center director or child care teacher. Note: Introduction to the School Age Care Profession and Skills and Strategies for the School Age Care Teacher are additional non-credit courses approved by the department to meet this requirement.
3. Each assistant child care teacher shall meet the requirements in s. DCF 251.05 (1) (3) (g) or shall have satisfactorily completed at least 10 hours of training approved by the department in the care of school-age children within 6 months after assuming the position. SECTION 319. DCF 251.095 (4) (c) is repealed.
SECTION 320. DCF 251.10 (1) and (2) (a), (b), and (c) are amended to read:
DCF 251.10 (1) Applicability. Group child care centers which that operate during any period of time between 9:00 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. shall comply with the additional requirements of this section.
(2) (a) A center offering night care may serve no more than 20 children at any one time between 9:00 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless the building is equipped with emergency lighting supplied by a stand-by power source.
(b) When the same premises are is used for the operation of both day care and night care, the number of children during any overlapping of the day care and night care periods may not exceed the maximum licensed capacity of the center.
(c) Minimum staff-to-child ratios and group sizes as specified in s. DCF 251.05(4) s. DCF 251.055 (2) shall be maintained during night care. SECTION 321. DCF 251.11 (2) (c) 2., 5., and 5g. are amended to read:
DCF 251.11 (2) (c) 2. A completed background information disclosure check request form provided by the department for the applicant. If the center is or will be located in a residence, a completed background information disclosure check request form shall be submitted for any household member aged 10 years of age and above.
5. A copy of all the policies required under s. DCF 251.04 (2) (h) and (i) and a completed copy of the group child care policy checklist provided by the department. 5g. The articles of incorporation and by-laws if the licensee is organized as a corporation, association or cooperative. If the licensee is a limited liability company, articles of organization and the operating agreement, if applicable, shall be submitted.
SECTION 322. DCF 251.11 (3) (a) 2. is repealed.
SECTION 323. DCF 251.11 (3) (a) 3. and (b) and (4) (a) and (b) 3. are amended to read:
DCF 251.11 (3) (a) 3. The license renewal fee under s. 48.65 (3) (a), Stats., applicable fees for child care background checks, and any unpaid forfeiture due and owing under s. 48.715 (3) or 49.155 (7m) (a) 3., Stats., or and any penalty under s. 48.76, Stats. (b) If the department determines that the applicant has met the minimum requirements for a license under s. 48.67, Stats., this chapter, and if the applicant has paid any the applicable fees under ss. 48.65 and 48.685(8) 48.686, Stats., any unpaid forfeiture under s. 48.715(3)(a) or 49.155 (7m) (a) 3., Stats., and any applicable unpaid penalty under s. 48.76, Stats., the department shall issue a regular license. Regular licenses shall be reviewed and continued for a 2-year period. (4) Continuing a regular license. (a) A regular license shall be valid indefinitely, unless suspended or revoked by the department or surrendered by the licensee. The department shall review a regular license every 2 years after the date of issuance under this subsection.
(b) 3. The license renewal fee under s. 48.65(3)(a), Stats., and applicable fees for child care background checks under s. 48.686, Stats., any unpaid forfeiture due and owing under s. 48.715(3) or 49.155 (7m) (a) 3., Stats., or and any unpaid penalty under s. 48.76, Stats. SECTION 324. DCF 251.11 (4) (b) 2. is repealed.
SECTION 325. DCF 251.11 (4) (c) and (8) (b) are amended to read:
DCF 251.11 (4) (c) If the department determines that the applicant has met the minimum requirements for license under s. 48.67, Stats., this chapter, has paid the applicable fees referred to in under ss. 48.65 and 48.685(8) 48.686, Stats., any unpaid forfeiture under s. 48.715 (3) (a) or 49.155 (7m) (a) 3., Stats., and any applicable unpaid penalty under s. 48.76, Stats., the department shall continue the license for an additional 2 years. (8) (b) Upon receipt of the notice in par. (a) and during any revocation or denial procedures that may result, a group child care center may not accept for care any child not enrolled and in care as of the date of receipt of the notice without written approval of the department.
SECTION 326. DCF 251.11 (10) (a) is renumbered DCF 251.11 (10).
SECTION 327. DCF 251.11 (10) (b) to (d) are repealed.
SECTION 328. DCF 251.12 (2) is repealed and recreated to read:
DCF 251.12 (2) Pursuant to s. 48.73, Stats., the department may visit and inspect any group child care center at any time during licensed hours. A department licensing representative shall have unrestricted access to the premises identified in the license, including access to children in care, staff and child records, and any other materials or individuals with information on the group child care center’s compliance with this chapter.
